Nemesis at Alton Towers turns 25 this year. I have very vivid memories of riding it during its opening season in 1994. The queue was pretty much constantly full, and I don’t mean the queueline that is there today, I mean the WHOLE thing, as well as an extension queue that went right out of Forbidden Valley. It was so incredibly popular – and the brainchild of Rollercoaster Royalty – perhaps the ‘King of all Rides’ – John Wardley. Nemesis was Europe’s first inverted coaster and revolutionised the theme park world, putting Staffordshire on the map and attracting people from across the globe. It’s still ranked highly even 25 years later. Nemesis has the heart of many-a coaster enthusiast!
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary, from Friday 16th August (which is National Rollercoaster Day) until Sunday 18th August guests to Alton Towers, can enjoy a reduced entry of £25 and free limited edition digital ride photo. You can claim this offer if you bring along a physical copy of an existing official ride photo of them enjoying one of the park’s coasters. The ‘Ride photo’ must be a physical version and in its original format. No copies or photocopies will be accepted. The ‘Ride photo’ must be from one of the following rides as follows: The Smiler, TH13TEEN, Rita, Oblivion, Nemesis, Galactica, Wicker Man, Octonauts Rollercoaster Adventure, or Spinball Whizzer.
As well as this, Nemesis at Alton Towers will be kept open until 7 pm each day during the event, an additional hour after normal closing time, for the silver anniversary. Plus, guests will also get the opportunity to meet legendary rollercoaster creator John Wardley, the brains behind Nemesis, throughout the day in special ‘meet and greet’ opportunities.
Alton Towers have confirmed that John Wardley will be in Forbidden Valley from at 11am and 4pm each day of the event to Meet and Greet fans to celebrate National Rollercoaster Day, and the 25th Anniversary of Nemesis at Alton Towers!
John has also worked on The Smiler, Oblivion and Galactica – as well as other iconic rides in the Merlin portfolio. He will be on hand to meet any budding rollercoaster designers, families and thrillseekers. I was lucky enough to meet John when Air (now Galactica) opened, he is a lovely chap, and I’m super jealous I can’t be there this weekend!
Just as aside, if you’re interested in all the work John Wardley has done, his autobiography is BRILLIANT and still available from Amazon.
If you’re one of the first 250 riders on Nemesis each day of the event Alton Towers resort will give you a limited edition “Nemesis 25” pin badge. Also, this weekend is a great time to stock up on Nemesis at Alton Towers merchandise too because all guests will get to enjoy 25% off. The traditional Nemesis souvenir ride photo has also been re-designed especially for the event, to provide guests with a limited edition celebratory keepsake at 25% off the usual price.
During the three-day celebration, Alton Towers Resort will be encouraging people to share their “Nemories” from the coaster’s 25-year history on social media. A giant commemorative photo opportunity has also been installed on the theme park for guests to take a souvenir selfie.
As I say, I’m gutted I can’t make it down for the event celebrating 25 years of Nemesis at Alton Towers Resort this weekend – but I’ll be there in spirit. Are you going? Drop me a comment below.
